California Sweet Basil

Combine dried basil with tomatoes and garlic for a simple, foundational sauce, or use it to flavor pasta, fish, and omelets. When substituting dried basil for fresh, use only 1/3 of the amount called for, since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Sweet T's Restaurant brings fresh, peppery brightness to their sauces and sides by using our fresh dried basil.

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This sweet California basil is widely considered the best dried basil available, largely due to a more advanced dehydration process than most dried herbs undergo. That process preserves more of the natural oil and vivid green color that basil typically loses when dried the standard way, which is what gives it a sweeter, fresher flavor than most jars on a grocery shelf.

We carry two varieties: this California basil, and an imported Mediterranean basil for anyone who wants to compare the two side by side or prefers a different growing region's character.

California Sweet Basil FAQ

What is sweet basil used for?

Sweet dried basil is most commonly used in tomato and garlic-based sauces or soups. It's also a great herb for pasta and seafood.

How much dried basil do you use in place of fresh basil?

Use only 1/3 of the amount specified when replacing fresh basil with dried, since dried herbs are more concentrated.

How long does sweet dried basil last?

Sweet dried basil can last 1 to 2 years in your pantry, though it will gradually lose flavor and potency over time.

What's the difference between California basil and Mediterranean basil?

Both are dried sweet basil, but sourced from different growing regions, which gives each a slightly different character. California basil is dried using a more advanced process that helps preserve its natural oil, color, and sweetness. If you're not sure which you prefer, either works well in the same recipes, it's largely a matter of taste.

Why does this basil taste sweeter than other dried basil I've used?

It comes down to how it's dried. A more advanced dehydration process preserves more of the leaf's natural oils and color than standard drying methods, which is what keeps the flavor closer to fresh basil than most dried versions achieve.